Sonoma Raceway: The Road Course in the Hills

Racing in California’s Wine Country

Sonoma Raceway is located just north of San Francisco in the scenic rolling hills of California’s wine country. The legendary track has become a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts, hosting high-profile events such as NASCAR, NHRA drag racing, and a variety of sports car and motorcycle races.

A Historic Racing Destination

Originally opened in 1968 as Sears Point Raceway, Sonoma Raceway has established itself as a staple in American motorsports. The 2.520-mile road course is famous for its 12 turns and dramatic elevation changes, making it one of the most technical circuits in the country. The track’s winding layout forces drivers to rely on precise handling and braking, making for thrilling races filled with strategic overtakes and intense battles.

Unlike traditional oval tracks, Sonoma’s road course layout challenges drivers with a mix of high-speed corners, tight hairpins, and tricky elevation shifts. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable venues in American motorsports.

The Layouts: A Versatile Racing Venue

One of Sonoma Raceway’s defining characteristics is its multiple configurations. The track has several layouts used for different types of racing:

• Full Circuit (2.520 miles, 12 turns) – The standard configuration used for many road racing events.
• NASCAR Layout (1.990 miles, 10 turns) – A shortened version eliminating the Turn 4 carousel, which creates more side-by-side action.
• IndyCar & Sports Car Layout (2.385 miles, 12 turns) – Slightly different from the full course, featuring tighter sections.
• Drag Strip – Home to NHRA events, offering a straight-line quarter-mile drag race experience.

A Staple on the NASCAR Cup Series Calendar

Sonoma Raceway has been a key stop on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule since 1989, offering a rare road course challenge for stock car racing. Unlike the high-speed ovals that dominate the NASCAR schedule, Sonoma demands precise handling and braking skills, which often favors road-course specialists and veteran drivers.

NHRA Drag Racing: The Need for Speed

Beyond stock car racing, Sonoma Raceway is home to one of the biggest events in NHRA drag racing—the NHRA Sonoma Nationals. The race is part of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, featuring Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars, Pro Stock cars, and motorcycles. Fans pack the grandstands every summer to witness these high-horsepower machines launch down the quarter-mile drag strip in just seconds.

A Legacy of Racing Events

Sonoma Raceway has hosted a variety of prestigious racing series over the years, including:

• IndyCar Series (1970, 2005-2018) – Some of the most talented open-wheel drivers battled for victory on this technical circuit.
• IMSA Sports Car Championship – Previously featured endurance-style racing with high-performance prototypes and GT cars.
• Trans-Am Series – A longtime staple at Sonoma, showcasing powerful muscle cars.
• MotoAmerica & Superbike Racing – Motorcycle racers have also taken on the challenging turns of Sonoma.
• SCCA & Club Racing – The track remains a hub for grassroots motorsports and amateur racing leagues.

More Than Just Racing

Sonoma Raceway is more than just a motorsports venue—it’s a year-round destination for automotive enthusiasts. The track regularly hosts driving schools, track days, and corporate events, allowing everyday drivers to experience the thrill of high-performance driving. Additionally, its scenic location near California’s wine country makes it a popular spot for tourists.

With its rich history, diverse track layouts, and an action-packed schedule featuring NASCAR, NHRA, and other top-tier racing events, Sonoma Raceway remains one of the most exciting motorsports venues in the country. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or a first-time visitor, a trip to Sonoma Raceway guarantees an unforgettable motorsports experience.